Dimitri Mascarenhas Named As Hampshire Captain

Hampshire have announced that England-capped all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas will take over as captain for the 2008 season after the earlier announcement that Shane Warne will not be playing for the county in 2008.

An exciting and charismatic cricketer, Dimi has been a firm favourite with Hampshire players and supporters since bursting onto the county scene over a decade ago.

The 30 year old, London-born and Australia-raised, is a top player who can tear an attack apart, pose constant problems with his accurate seam bowling and excel as a fleet-footed fielder with a wonderful throw.

Mascarenhas made his first appearance for Hampshire, as an unknown 18-year-old in September 1996. An overnight sensation, he took 6-88 in Glamorgan's first innings at the old County Ground in Southampton and snapped up three more wickets second time around to finish with marvellous match figures of 9-150.

Six of those victims were opening batsmen. It was the best debut by a Hampshire bowler since 1899.

He promptly followed up with seven more wickets in the next match by which time he opened the bowling in both innings. His early contribution was recognised when he received his county cap in 1998.

His maiden century came in 2000 and, having added experience to undoubted flair and talent. He has won several man-of-the-match awards and was in Hampshire's triumphant Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy-winning team at Lord's in 2005.

He made his long overdue debut for England in an ODI versus the West Indies at Lord’s on 1st July 2007.

On the 5th September in an ODI against India, he hit five consecutive sixes off the final five balls of England’s innings. On the 8th September he took 3/23 off 10 overs as England won the one-day series 4-3. One the same day he was called up to England’s ICC World Twenty20 squad.

As well as enjoying great success on the field during 2007, Dimi enjoyed a very successful benefit year.

Mascarenhas made the following comment: “It is a huge honour to be made captain of such a prestigious Club, following in the footsteps of the likes of Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie, Mark Nicholas and the great Shane Warne. I hope to bring great success to the Club and Hampshire supporters.”

Rose Bowl plc Chairman, Rod Bransgrove commented: "In Dimitri Mascarenhas we have a mature cricketer with great standing amongst his peers. As captain he will have the opportunity to capitalise upon his natural flair for leadership and to call upon his immense pool of experience with both Hampshire and England. He will be a popular and capable successor to Shane Warne and I wish him the very best of luck."

Team Manager, Paul Terry added: “I’m delighted for Dimi, with his well deserved appointment as captain of Hampshire. I see him as the perfect man to keep taking the club forward with his enthusiasm and respect within the dressing room.”